Want to buy stuff, unsure about payment

[ddircksen 0]

So, I want to buy something on classifieds, but I haven't done so before. What are the methods of payment I should use when buying something from someone on classifieds?
What's the way to protect both me and the guy/gal selling?
Or is it just trust, i.e. I pay, he/she sends.

[nbblood 0]

I've sold stuff on classifieds before when buyers weren't comfortable sending money in advance. In those cases I contacted their home DZ and shipped to a rigger or DZ employee that I felt comfortable with. That way they could inspect it before sending money and I felt pretty comfortable that I wasn't sending my gear off, never to be seen again. That's one option.

I've also bought stuff off the classifieds, sent money in advance, then the seller shipped the gear. I've never had any problems, but I do pay attention to who I'm dealing with. A lot of the people that post on classifieds are regular posters, some are not. You may or may not be comfortable sending them money in advance. Sometimes it helps to get a phone number and talk on the phone.

There are also escrow services available online that you can use to make the transaction. This makes the transaction more complicated and costs money, but it is more secure.

Anyway, you need to be cautious, but I've never had a problem dealing with people on the classifieds. Usually a scam is pretty apparent.

Blues,
Nathan

If you wait 'til the last minute, it'll only take a minute.

[unformed 0]

i've bought a rig, which I went and picked up in person, and paid in cash.

i've sold a cypres which was prepaid by paypal.

i'm not normally about to ship something without being paid first. altough i would settle for escrow.

This ad space for sale.

[ddircksen 0]

Thanks for the info, much appreciated

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